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Mussels in tomato sauce

mussels in tomato sauce

Mussels in tomato sauce: discover how this Mediterranean classic brings flavor and lightness to your table, even on busy days!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg fresh mussels
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 units garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 unit onion finely chopped
  • 400 gm canned peeled tomatoes preferably crushed by hand or chopped
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 unit lemon cut into wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards and scrubbing the shells. Discard any open mussels that do not close when tapped.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot, followed by the dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for about 8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Pour in the dry white wine, and stir to combine.
  5. Add the cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels open. Discard any that remain closed.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and stir gently to distribute the flavors.
  7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and rustic bread if desired.

Notes

Mussels in tomato sauce is a beloved Mediterranean dish, cherished for its combination of simplicity, flavor, and visual appeal. Its popularity owes much to its adaptability—you can serve it as a stunning appetizer for a dinner party, or as a comforting main course on a weeknight. The harmony between briny mussels and luscious tomato sauce brings the sea right to your table.

Practical Tips to Master Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Always clean your mussels carefully. Scrubbing the shells and removing the beards ensures that no grit finds its way into your sauce. If any mussels don't close when tapped before cooking, discard them to avoid any risk of spoilage.
If fresh mussels aren’t available, you can use high-quality frozen mussels—just be sure they are fully thawed before cooking. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of fish stock or a handful of cherry tomatoes to the sauce.
Don’t overcook! Mussels should be tender and juicy—not rubbery. They’re done as soon as they open, typically within six minutes. Remove any that fail to open after cooking.

Technique and Preparation Advice

Chop the aromatics extremely fine for a silkier texture in the sauce. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the tomato sauce before adding the mussels. Adding a pinch of sugar when simmering the tomatoes can balance the acidity, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Try finishing the sauce with a touch of butter or drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious texture.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Enjoy this dish with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce, or ladle it over cooked pasta for a hearty meal. Add a handful of fresh basil or swap parsley for cilantro for a twist in flavor.
To make the meal more special, pair the mussels in tomato sauce with grilled vegetables, a crisp white wine, or roasted potatoes. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a bit of harissa.
With these tips and ideas, you’ll bring both confidence and creativity to your next Mediterranean-inspired meal!